What are you doing that you shouldn’t?

I read my devotional this morning and the title was “Stop!”  It got me thinking.  Are you so busy you can’t think straight sometimes?  Work? Ministry? Family? I know I am, but then I had to ask myself what things am I so busy with that I’m not fulfilling God’s Will?  I mean, have I ignored someone hurting to get some busy work done?  I hope not, but I know it could have happened, because there are some days that are overwhelming. 

Are we really seeking God for His direction and our next steps or we just going through the motions of doing what we believe needs to be done?  Are we stressed out and anxious, because if we are, we know that’s not God.  He said to “be anxious for nothing” (Phil 4:6).  Could it be we’re anxious and stressed because we’re doing things God never intended for us to do?  These are just a few questions, I’m asking myself.  I’m challenging us to consider the things we do every day and whether they are necessary.  How do we get to peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7)? 

By turning our areas of concern or anxiety into consistent prayer and praise/thanksgiving, Christ will move to the center of our thoughts and we won’t have space for the worry or the anxiety……only peace.  We’ll remember that while our situation may not change right away, we will – we’ll be reminded of who Christ is and what He has already done for us.  We’ll remember that no matter what comes, as God’s children, He will never leave or forsake us.  So, if we have an assurance that God will be with us during the difficult times and He won’t ever leave us, why do we spend so much time doing busywork?  Who are we trying to impress?  God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11) and if our best is like dirty rags (Isaiah 64:6), what are we doing?  Ask yourself if what you’re doing is furthering God’s kingdom per His Will and His Word.  If not, consider why you’re doing it.  Should you keep doing it?  If not, stop it.

Who do you need to forgive?

The past few months have been a time of self-reflection for me. With everything going on in the world, I’ve found myself angry at people I consider to be unenlightened.  Whether it is about the response to COVID-19 and wearing masks or the senseless killings of black Americans, I’ve found myself to have moments of intense anger.  Inevitably after the anger comes a certain level of shame for feeling that way.  I know….God gave me the emotions and it’s natural to feel them.  I have to admit, sometimes, I’m a little conceited and feel that anger is beneath me.  I know that’s crazy, but it’s true.  All that said, the anger has been real and deep.

Then I think, “What would Jesus do?”  And, I’m reminded of Him forgiving the very ones who killed Him on the cross.  If Jesus can forgive those present at His own crucifixion (and all of us) and I am in Christ, surely He has given me power through the Holy Spirit to do the same.  According to the Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley, psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve it.  Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you forget or condone the offence, but it does mean letting go of the anger that can be exceedingly corrosive in your life.  Choosing to forgive brings peace of mind by allowing you to recognize the pain and move on to healing.  As long as you’re holding on to the pain and anger, the wound continues to fester and never really lets you go. 

Also in that way, we have to remember the “Lord’s Prayer”, where we ask God to “forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” in Matt 6: 12.  So, if we expect God to consciously forgive our debts, we have to actually forgive our debtors.  What have you done that you need God’s forgiveness for?  I have a few things I can think of over the last day that I need God to forgive me for, so I have to forgive those who have wronged me.  I’m not saying it’s easy, but God doesn’t want us to carry the burden of our anger such that it leads us to sin.  Remember, forgiveness is a choice, it’s not a feeling.  We get to choose to let things go…..that’s that pesky free will at work. 

So the question is - who and what do you need to forgive to heal and move forward?  What and who are holding you back from your next step forward?  Don’t let it.  Forgive and move on. Remember, that’s what we want God to do for us.

What are You Hoping for?

Our pastors have been teaching on Hope for the past several weeks.  With everything going on the world, it’s especially important to hold on the hope right now.  Hope is favorable or joyful expectation – expecting good things to happen even when you don’t see them or understand how they will happen.  It’s not always easy to do.  But Christians have been called to walk by faith and not by what we can see with our eyes (2 Cor 5:7).  The world can be a treacherous place – hatred and fear drive people to do some awful things.  But our God already knows that – He knows that the heart is wicked (Jer 17:9) and that the only way for us to ever line up with His Word and Will is through being filled with the Holy Spirit.  We can’t live a fulfilled live on our own. That’s why God sent Jesus.  Jesus came to earth so that we might have life and with one that is more full than we could ever provide for ourselves (John 10:10).  Jesus is the only way to the Father.  He is our Hope (Romans 2:8-9).

You know, I’ve been dealing with myself, wanting to do and be more and more like Jesus.  I don’t completely know what that looks like for me, but I know it should be obvious that I’ve been with Him.  See, when we intentionally and consistently focus on Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit can and will work powerfully through us – He is the one to give us power to do God’s work (2 Tim 1:7). We can never do under our own power what the Holy Spirit can do – it’s just not possible.  We don’t have the capacity or the strength (2 Cor 12:9-10).  Unfortunately, it takes some of us a really long time to realize that.  When we stop relying on ourselves and lean more and more into God, through Jesus Christ, we will be able to accomplish more, understand more, love more, and forgive more. We’re still human and we’ll still make mistakes and have troubles, but we’ll be quicker to acknowledge them and get back on track. 

I continue to work on this – focusing more and more on Jesus so I can lean more and more into Him – remember He and the Father are one.  I’m not there yet and I know I have a long way to go.  I used to ask for things – the latest computer or tablet, a new car, etc. – and don’t get me wrong, I sometimes still do and there’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things.  But, there are things that are so much more important – the things that last and are eternal.  I’ve been praying when people see me, they will see the Jesus in me here on earth.  I hope God will use me to make other people’s lives better….whether through a kind word or a generous heart or some sound counsel.  I want to love the way He loves.  I know I can’t do that without His Holy Spirit consistently working in my life, so I have some work to do.  I have to pray more consistently with intention and get out of His way, but be obedient to His will and His word.

I challenge you to take a moment and consider what are you hoping for?  What’s that thing you want to accomplish?  What’s that thing you’re striving for?  Are you seeking God first for wisdom and understanding so your desires line up with His will?  If not, no better time than the present to start seeking Him.  Remember, Hope is favorable expectation. Don’t lose sight of it, no matter what is going on at the time.  If God be for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)?

Love God First and Others as Yourself

I’ve debated writing this, but felt I had to, given where we are in the world today and several conversations I’ve had over the past week. 

This has been an extremely hard few months for me.  From the onset of COVID-19 to the latest racial incident, I have really been searching myself to consider what to do next.  As a person who lives alone, I’ve been physically alone most of this time of shelter in place orders and quarantines.  It’s been hard.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love people….for the most part.  I mean I love my alone time, but when I want alone time, not when dictated by circumstances outside my control.  I’ve missed hugs and sitting close and laughing together, but we are taught in the Word to be wise (Proverbs 8:31) so I continue with social distancing and protecting those around me. 

Add to that the latest senseless deaths of three black people (two by the police) due to racism that is still systemic in this country.  It’s been hard.  I’ve been angry at the losses and disheartened by the fact that this is the reality we live it.  These situations are not new, they are just publicized now.  Just think, given the incidents that have happened over the past few months that have been recorded and shared, how many more weren’t.  For the people who have committed the offences, how comfortable must they be to know they are being recorded and still commit them?  How confident must they be that they will get away with them not to hesitate and continue doing them? How many times have they done them before? 

I would wager that if you’re a black American adult in this country, you’ve had at least one encounter that you know was race-based.  Where does hatred and distrust like this come from?  Fear of the unknown.  Fear someone will get something you believe should be yours.  Fear of loss.  Fear of change to the status quo.  I never thought I would quote Yoda (from Star Wars) in a blog, but here goes.  According to him, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."  I never thought how true this is.  If you don’t face fear or counter it with faith, any of us could go down a dark path and how many people suffer as a result.  And think of how hate-filled and miserable someone must be to kill a man in the street and not hesitate at all. 

What the answer?  A change of people’s hearts.  Ultimately, it’s a heart issue.  If we did what the bible instructs by loving God first and then love our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:27), we wouldn’t be able to hurt someone else, no matter what happened. We need prayer and we need Jesus and we need action to support our faith.  Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

I’m not naturally an activist and I hate confrontation, but I’ve had to question my next steps.  I recently wrote to my Senators about the issues we face, but all of us have a role to play.  So what can we do? 

• Stand together – all people who know these actions are wrong.  
• Speak up and against it when you hear people disparaging someone due to race - silence in most cases is considered agreement.  
• Teach children that all men are created equal and in God’s image – all lives are equally valuable and must be treated as such. 
• Hold people accountable who treat people differently because of race – the police, the banks, employers, health providers, etc.   
• Vote for people who believe in equality and justice – while it’s a heart issue, some things must be legislated because not all hearts will be changed – not everyone will choose Jesus. 
• Pray that God will change the heart of those who hate – He holds the hearts of the king (Proverbs 21:1).  
• Love those around you and help those less fortunate – that’s our responsibility – think what we would want someone to do for us.

During this time, stay safe and remember we are one community.  We are all responsible for doing what is right. 

Who Are You Praying To?

So this morning, I read my devotional and a couple of questions grabbed me.  What do you see in your mind when you think about Jesus/God?  Do you see Jesus on the Cross or do you see Him seated at the right hand of God?  I guess I’d never thought about that before.  I almost always think of Jesus on the cross. I mean, I usually wear a cross as a reminder of His great sacrifice for my salvation. 

But by thinking of Him on the cross, how am I limiting His power in my life?  What do I not ask for because of where I see Him in my mind?  Jesus is so much bigger than the cross.  He holds the keys to Death and Hell (Rev 1:18).  God raised Him from the dead and He’s seated at the right hand of God.  The one and only living God who sits on the throne (heaven) and the earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). 

Have you ever thought, when you’re going through a problem or there’s some obstacle that seems so big, the God who loved you enough to send His Son to die and shed blood for your sins is the same God who is resting His feet on the earth.  Needless to say, my mind was blown when I thought about it. 

That’s why God made it clear that His thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts and His ways so much higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).  We can’t think or imagine what He can do, because we can’t comprehend how vast and powerful He really is…..we don’t recognize how big He is.  Stop limiting God by your own thoughts, seek His.  Stop limiting God by your will, seek His (Matt. 6:33).   

We tend to fear what we don’t understand and can’t control.  If we trust God to lead and guide us knowing He is all-knowing and that He created and owns it all, why are we really concerned?  Is it because we don’t know the outcome?  No matter what we do, we won’t know it anyway.  We can guess but we can’t be sure. 

Trusting God to know what’s best and to have our best interests at heart, then being obedient to Him is the only sure way to know that everything will turn out okay (Romans 8:28), even when it doesn’t turn out the way we thought or imagined.  He’s got this, whatever it is.  Remember that the next time you pray.

Are you Seeking God or Trying to Figure it Out Yourself?

Have you ever stopped to think about what a small part of the whole we really are? How our problems aren’t exceptionally big in the grand scheme of things, no matter how they seem to us. For me, I’ve been stressing about all these decisions I have to make at work and some of them feel really big…career changing.  I've been praying about them, but without receiving the peace I was expecting.  

This morning, I read the book of Lamentations.  It was a hard book for me to read.  It’s a book about a prophet crying out because his country is suffering and desperate, as a result of her own actions.  What got me in this book, and reflecting on my life right now, is that even when God is angry with us and we are disciplined, there is still love.  God still loves us and hears us when we cry out to Him.  Even when we don’t seek Him first, He’s still there because He loves us.  He’s there in our weakness and He wants to be our strength and provide us answers.  They may not be on our timetable but He is faithful even when we’re not, because that is His nature. 

God wants us to lean on Him in everything and everywhere, no matter the circumstance whether it be big or small.  He wants our surrender and our obedience.  Sometimes, He has to show us who we are, so we acknowledge who He is.  This morning, I finally recognized that I was trying to do God’s job by figuring it all out by myself, as if I ever could, instead of seeking Him and asking Him for the answers.  I was under the impression that this problem was too small to really depend on God to provide the answers - how arrogant. What a waste of time and energy and tears and frustration!  While I realize God won’t do for me what I can do for myself, I can’t do what God can in and through me.  Have you realized the difference?

Do You Know Jesus?

Are you saved?  These are questions that are asked in conversation and even in Church and because people go to church, we often assume that everyone understands the questions.  Not so.  There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Him.

Anyone who’s ever been in a Christian church has been told that Jesus is God’s Son and our Savior but what does that mean to you.  Is He some abstract being that oversees your life, but isn’t really a part of it or Lord over it? 

Romans 10 vs 9 says that if you confess the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  Remember, that requires that you also believe that He was born of God, died on the cross for your sins (because He was always without sin and perfect) and was buried first.  That’s what salvation is all about…..relationship with God through Christ Jesus as Lord.  Have you done that?  If not, you are not saved. 

That’s not condemnation or judgement, that’s the truth according to the Word of God.  No matter how many days a week or years of your life have been spent going to church and doing “good” things, according to the Bible’s simple instructions, you aren’t saved if you have not confessed and believed. 

But don’t lose hope, God loved all of us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us...and then He raised Jesus from the grave.  Can you think of anything or anyone that you love enough to send your parent or sibling or child to die for?  Or that you would die for?  That’s how much God loves you.  No matter what you’ve done or are doing, He loves you so much and He wants a relationship with you…..a real one where you can be yourself with everything that you are and trust that He knows you better than you know yourself.  He is the only one who can change your life for the better, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 

So….the ball is in your court.  You can choose to believe God’s Word or you can choose to deny Jesus and His actions on the cross!  But remember, you’re choices have consequences.  Choosing to believe means that you want a life that, while it won’t be free from issues or drama, will be full or God’s love and grace and mercy.  You’ll never be alone and the Holy Spirit will empower you to face whatever comes. Eternal life with God is pretty good, too.  Who doesn’t want that?  The Devil.  He wants you to lose and be scared and guilty.  Don’t let him have that from you.

And just in case you need it, here’s a simple prayer for salvation:

God, I’m a sinner.  I confess my sins to you and ask for your forgiveness.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and that you raised Him from the dead so that I can be saved.  I ask You to be Lord of my life.  I want a relationship with you and to be your child.  In Jesus' name, I pray.  Amen!

 

If you did pray that prayer for the first time and mean it, find a good bible based church to attend and don’t let anything or anyone stop you from developing a real relationship with God.  When everyone else disappoints you, He won’t.  His answers to your prayers may not be “Yes”, but they will always be right. 

 

This is your life!  What are you going to do with it? Choose God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit!!!!  That's your first step.  With Them, you can’t lose!!!!